Ayon, the Spanish Liga Endesa Player of the Month for November, spoke about his decision to leave for America.

"It is a dream, an ambition to be able to play in the NBA," the 26-year-old said.

"I can only say thanks for the opportunities given to me. I arrived at Fuenlabrada on 29th March 2009 with a briefcase full of excitement and hope, and now I am going to New Orleans with the case even more full.

"I can only say that I am taking this opportunity. "

Ayon had left Mexicans Halcones UV Xalapa for Spain after signing a four-year contract with Fuenlabrada.

The Hornets are paying $1.5million (€1.2million) to Fuenlabrada to acquire the player.

The 2.06m Ayon averaged 15.9 points and 8.2 rebounds in 10 Spanish top flight games this season.

Fuenlabrada president José Quintana Viar said at Wednesday's press conference that the club had done everything up to final minute to keep Ayon.

In the EuroChallenge Regular Season, the club finished second in Group A with a 4-2 record.

They will now play in the Last 16 Group K against Besiktas Milangaz, BK JIP Pardubice and BC Nizhny Novgorod.